Soil sampling assembly

ABSTRACT

A soil sampler assembly includes a utility vehicle and a soil sampler module coupled to the utility vehicle. The utility vehicle includes a cab, and the soil sampler module is configured to deposit a soil sample in the cab. For example, the soil sampler assembly includes a conveyor system configured to convey the soil sample to the cab. The conveyor system includes a central conveyor and a lateral conveyor that feeds the central conveyor. The central conveyor is on a travel track. The soil sampler assembly further includes a sampler arm assembly. The sampler arm assembly includes a power cylinder, a guide cylinder, a transfer block, and a probe. The probe has a tip, and the tip of the probe includes an outer surface defining an outer taper bore and an inner surface defining an inner taper bore.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) ofU.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/877,507, filed Sep. 13, 2014,and titled “SOIL SAMPLING ASSEMBLY,” which is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Soil samples collected from an agricultural field can be tested forrelative nutrient status. This analysis can be used to more effectivelydirect the application of fertilizer to the field. In some instances,samples are taken from different regions within an agricultural field,and the application of fertilizer is varied with respect to the regionsbased upon relative differences in nutrient status, and so forth.

SUMMARY

A soil sampler assembly includes a utility vehicle and a soil samplermodule coupled to the utility vehicle. The utility vehicle includes acab, and the soil sampler module is configured to deposit a soil samplein the cab. For example, the soil sampler assembly includes a conveyorsystem configured to convey the soil sample to the cab. The conveyorsystem includes a central conveyor and a lateral conveyor that feeds thecentral conveyor. The central conveyor is on a travel track. The soilsampler assembly further includes a sampler arm assembly. The samplerarm assembly includes a power cylinder, a guide cylinder, a transferblock, and a probe. The probe has a tip, and the tip of the probeincludes an outer surface defining an outer taper bore and an innersurface defining an inner taper bore.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

DRAWINGS

The Detailed Description is described with reference to the accompanyingfigures. The use of the same reference numbers in different instances inthe description and the figures may indicate similar or identical items.Any dimensions included in the accompanying figures are provided by wayof example only and are not meant to be restrictive of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 1 is a left side elevation view of a soil sampler assemblyincluding a utility vehicle and a soil sampler module, where the soilsampler module is tilted away from a cab of the utility vehicle inaccordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a right side elevation view of the soil sampler assemblyillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an end elevation view of the soil sampler assembly illustratedin FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a partial right side elevation view of the soil samplerassembly illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a partial left side elevation view of the soil samplerassembly illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a partial right side elevation view of the soil samplerassembly illustrated in FIG. 1, where the soil sampler module is tiltedtoward the cab of the utility vehicle in accordance with exampleembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustrating a sampler arm assembly for a soilsampler assembly, such as the soil sampler assembly illustrated in FIG.1, in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of a transfer block for a sampler armassembly, such as the sampler arm assembly illustrated in FIG. 7, inaccordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the transfer block illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an end elevation view of the transfer block illustrated inFIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of a pin for coupling a guide cylinderto a transfer block, such as the transfer block illustrated in FIG. 8,in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of a probe for a sampler arm assembly,such as the sampler arm assembly illustrated in FIG. 7, in accordancewith example embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of a tip for a probe, such as the probeillustrated in FIG. 12, in accordance with example embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of another tip for a probe, such as theprobe illustrated in FIG. 12, in accordance with example embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of yet another tip for a probe, such asthe probe illustrated in FIG. 12, in accordance with example embodimentsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a partial end elevation view of the soil sampler assemblyillustrated in FIG. 1, further illustrating a travel track forretracting a central conveyor belt from the cab of the utility vehicle.

FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view of the soil sampler assemblyillustrated in FIG. 1, further illustrating a lateral conveyor belt andguides for guiding cores along the lateral conveyor belt.

FIG. 18 is an interior view of the cab of the soil sampler assemblyillustrated in FIG. 1, further illustrating a bag transition forcollecting cores from the soil sampler module.

FIG. 19 is a partial end elevation view of the soil sampler assemblyillustrated in FIG. 1, further illustrating a drive sprocket and powersprockets for driving the lateral conveyor belts of the soil samplermodule.

FIG. 20 is a partial side elevation view of the soil sampler assemblyillustrated in FIG. 1, further illustrating another drive sprocket andanother power sprocket for driving the central conveyor belt of the soilsampler module.

FIG. 21 is a front elevation view of a soil sampler assembly including adeep drill in accordance with an example embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 22 is a partial end elevation view of the soil sampler assemblyillustrated in FIG. 1, where a side drill including a probe is operatedto enter the soil and obtain a sample of the soil in the form of a corein accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a partial end elevation view of the soil sampler assemblyillustrated in FIG. 1, where the side drill is operable to rotate theprobe from one vertical orientation facing the ground to anothervertical orientation opposite the ground, and where the side drill isoperated to release the core from the probe onto a lateral conveyor beltin accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 is a partial top plan view of the soil sampler illustrated inFIG. 1, further illustrating a conveyor system including the centralconveyor belt and two lateral conveyor belts in accordance with anexample embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 through 24, a soil sampler assembly 100is described. The soil sampler assembly 100 includes a utility vehicle102 (e.g., an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), a utility task vehicle (UTV),and so forth) configured to support a soil sampler module 104. The soilsampler assembly 100 can be operated by a single operator. Further, thesoil sampler assembly 100 can be used for low light (e.g., night)operations. In embodiments of the disclosure, soil testing performedwith the soil sampler assembly 100 meets national soil testingrequirements, university requirements, regulatory requirements, and soforth. In some embodiments, the soil sampler assembly 100 implements a“one-switch” complete sampling cycle, where a single switch is operatedto initiate collection of one or more soil samples, which are receivedin the cab 106 of the utility vehicle 102.

The soil sampler module 104 supports one or more sampler arm assemblies108. In some embodiments, the utility vehicle 102 also supports one ormore sampler arm assemblies 108. For example, in some embodiments asampler arm assembly 108 comprising a side drill 110 is included on eachside of the soil sampler module 104, and a sampler arm assembly 108comprising a deep drill 111 is included at the front of the utilityvehicle 102. The side drills 110 and/or the deep drill 111 are operableto collect soil samples (e.g., cores/plugs) at various depths. Forinstance, soil samples are collected by the deep drill 111 at depthsranging from about four inches (4 in.) to about thirty-six inches (36in.), at about two-inch (2 in.) intervals. In some embodiments, the sidedrills 110 are used to collect soil samples at five (5) different depths(e.g., at about two-inch (2 in.) intervals), and the deep drill 111 isused to collect soil samples at twelve (12) different depths (e.g., atabout two-inch (2 in.) intervals). However, these ranges and intervalsare provided by way of example only and are not meant to limit thepresent disclosure. In other embodiments, soil samples are collected atdifferent depths, different intervals, and so forth. Further, samplerarm assemblies 108 can be positioned at different locations with respectto the utility vehicle 102 and/or the soil sampler module 104. Forexample, a sampler arm assembly 108 comprising a deep drill can bepositioned at the rear of the utility vehicle 102.

In some embodiments, the deep drill 111 comprises a variable speed,fully reversible, rotary action drill mounted to the front of theutility vehicle 102. In some embodiments, the deep drill 111 ishydraulically powered. For example, the deep drill 111 can behydraulically advanced and retracted. Further, a hydraulically powereddeep drill 111 can be implemented as a variable speed drill, e.g., usingone or more hydraulic check valves, which can be adjusted by an operator(e.g., using an adjustment tool, such as a hex key or wrench). The deepdrill 111 is rotatable (e.g., rotating at least approximately ninetydegrees (90°) from a horizontal position to a vertical position). Forexample, the deep drill 111 is welded onto a hub that is rotatablysecured to the front of the utility vehicle 102. The hub is used to lockthe deep drill 111 in either the horizontal position or the verticalposition using a spring-loaded lock pin, or the like. When the sidedrills 110 are used for high throughput sampling, the deep drill 111 canbe locked in the horizontal orientation. Then, when sampling at deeperdepths is desired, the lock pin is disengaged, the deep drill 111 isrotated to its vertical orientation, and the lock pin is reengaged.

In the vertical position, the bottom end of the deep drill 111 can betelescoped about twelve inches (12 in.) from the ground. This allows theutility vehicle 111 to be driven between successive sampling locations(e.g., over variable terrain). When a sample is acquired, the bottom endof the deep drill 111 is telescoped to ground level, the auger is usedto obtain a core from the soil, and the bottom end of the deep drill 111is then telescoped away from ground level. In some embodiments, the soilsampler assembly 100 includes a removable receiving pan 113. Thereceiving pan 113 can define an aperture through which the auger of thedeep drill 111 extends. As the core is moved upwardly by the threads ofthe auger, the core is dropped into the receiving pan 113 for retrievalby the operator. In some embodiments, the receiving pan 113 includes oneor more handles configured to enable the operator to remove thereceiving pan 113 from the soil sampler assembly 100. In embodiments ofthe disclosure, telescoping and/or sampling operations are initiated bythe operator from the cab 106 of the utility vehicle 102 (e.g., via aswitch, a button, and so forth positioned in the cab 106).

In some embodiments, the utility vehicle 102 comprises a three-cylinder,four-cycle diesel engine with about sixty-eight and one-half cubicinches (68.5 cu. in.) of displacement. The engine of the utility vehicle102 generates about twenty-four and eight-tenths horsepower (24.8 HP) atthree thousand revolutions per minutes (3,000 rpm). The utility vehicle102 has a maximum travelling speed of about twenty-five miles per hour(25 mph). The utility vehicle 102 is about one hundred twenty-nine andone-tenth inches (129.1 in.) long, sixty-six and nine-tenths inches(66.9 in.) wide, and eighty-one and one-half inches (81.5 in.) inheight. The utility vehicle 102 weighs about two thousand four hundredand eighty pounds (2,480 lbs.). However, this configuration is providedby way of example only and is not meant to limit the present disclosure.In other embodiments, the utility vehicle 102 has a differently sizedengine, a different maximum travelling speed, different overalldimensions, a different weight, and so forth.

The utility vehicle 102 is configured to support the soil sampler module104, which is securely connected to, for instance, the rear of theutility vehicle 102. In some embodiments, the soil sampler module 104can be efficiently disconnected from the utility vehicle 102. Forexample, U-bolt fasteners are used to connect the soil sampler module104 to the utility vehicle 102 and can be easily disengaged todisconnect the soil sampler module 104 from the utility vehicle 102. Inembodiments of the disclosure, the soil sampler module 104 can be tiltedto provide access to portions of the utility vehicle 102 and/or the soilsampler module 104 that would not otherwise be accessible. For example,the soil sampler assembly 100 includes a linkage rotation systemconfigured to tilt the soil sampler module 104 with respect to theutility vehicle 102. In other embodiments, the soil sampler assembly 100includes a rack-and-pinion system to tilt the soil sampler module 104with respect to the utility vehicle 102. In these configurations, thesoil sampler assembly 100 uses, for instance, an electric over hydraulicsystem. In some embodiments, the soil sampler module 104 includes one ormore utility boxes 112 configured for onboard storage. Further, the soilsampler module 104 has a louvered roof or the like to facilitate heatdissipation.

In embodiments of the disclosure, the soil sampler module 104 is poweredby the engine of the utility vehicle 102. For example, the soil samplerassembly 100 implements a split pump system operated with one motor(e.g., the engine of the utility vehicle 102). In this configuration, afirst hydraulic pump is used to tilt the soil sampler module 104 withrespect to the utility vehicle 102, and a second hydraulic pump is usedto operate the sampler arm assemblies 108. A hydraulic accumulator isalso provided to store hydraulic energy. In some embodiments, the soilsampler assembly 100 includes a twelve gallon (12 gal.) oil reservoir,e.g., where one hydraulic pump is configured to pump at a rate of fivegallons (5 gal.) per minute, and another hydraulic pump is configured topump at a rate of seven gallons (7 gal.) per minute, for a combined rateof twelve gallons (12 gal.) per minute. A coupling can be used to couplethe two hydraulic pumps together. One or more of the hydraulic pumps canbe operated at a pressure of at least approximately two thousand poundsper square inch (2,000 psi). Further, the soil sampler assembly 100 canimplement integrated cooling of the oil reservoir. However, thisconfiguration is provided by way of example only and is not meant tolimit the present disclosure. In other embodiments, different equipmentis used to power the soil sampler module 104 and/or the sampler armassemblies 108, such as electric motors, and so forth. In someembodiments, the soil sampler assembly 100 is configured with a splitelectrical function, where components of the soil sampler module 104 areseparately fused from the ignition of the utility vehicle 102. In thismanner, the soil sampler module 104 is not operated during roadfunctions of the utility vehicle 102.

Each one of the side drills 110 includes a probe 114 configured to entersoil to a certain depth and obtain a sample of the soil in the form of acore. The probe 114 is generally longitudinal, defining an interiorchannel 116 configured to receive the core and subsequently release thecore for collection. In some embodiments, the probe 114 is between aboutten inches (10 in.) and about fourteen inches (14 in.) in length,tapering at a tip 118. An outer surface 120 of the tip 118 of the probe114 comprises an outer taper bore, and an inner surface 122 of the tip118 of the probe 114 comprises an inner taper bore. The taper extendsabout three inches (3 in.) in length, and the ratio of the insidediameter 124 of the inner surface 122 distal to the end of the tip 118to the inside diameter 126 of the inner surface 122 proximal to the endof the tip 118 is about two-to-one (2:1). For example, the insidediameter 124 of the inner surface 122 distal to the end of the tip 118is about one and one-half inches (1.5 in.), and the inside diameter 126of the inner surface 122 proximal to the tip 118 of the probe 114 isabout three-quarters of one inch (¾ in.). However, this ratio isprovided by way of example only and is not meant to limit the presentdisclosure. In another embodiment, the ratio of the inside diameter 124of the inner surface 122 distal to the end of the tip 118 to the insidediameter 126 of the inner surface 122 proximal to the end of the tip 118is about one and two-thirds-to-one (1.67:1). For example, the insidediameter 124 of the inner surface 122 distal to the end of the tip 118is about one and one-quarter inches (1.25 in.), and the inside diameter126 of the inner surface 122 proximal to the tip 118 of the probe 114 isabout three-quarters of one inch (¾ in.).

The probe 114 includes a trap door configured to retain a core when theprobe 114 is inserted into the soil. As the probe 114 is inserted intothe soil, the core is pushed through the interior channel 116 and pastthe trap door. Then, after the core is collected and the probe 114 ofthe side drill 110 is retracted from the soil, the trap door retains thecore in the interior channel 116 of the probe 114. In some embodiments,the probe 114 is machined from a metal material (e.g., stainless steel),and the outer surface 120 and/or the inner surface 122 of the tip 118 ofthe probe 114 are surface finished (e.g., to a micro-machined finish).In this manner, the probe 114 may be used repeatedly without applicationof lubricant. Further, repeated use of the probe 114 may cause the outersurface 120 and/or the inner surface 122 of the tip 118 to become morepolished over time, sharpening the tip 118. However, this configurationis provided by way of example only and is not meant to limit the presentdisclosure. In other embodiments, the probe 114 is fabricated from oneor more different materials, possibly having different surface finishes.Further, in some embodiments, the probe 114 is used with the applicationof a lubricant.

Each sampler arm assembly 108 includes a mechanism for driving the probe114 into the soil. For example, the sampler arm assembly 108 includes apower cylinder 128 configured to power longitudinal translation of theprobe 114. In some embodiments, the power cylinder 128 is positionedcoaxially with the probe 114. In other embodiments, the longitudinalaxis of the power cylinder 128 is offset from the longitudinal axis ofthe probe 114. The sampler arm assembly 108 also includes a guidecylinder 130 configured to facilitate linear translation of the probe114. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis of the guide cylinder130 is offset from the longitudinal axis of the probe 114, while inother embodiments the guide cylinder 130 is positioned coaxially withthe probe 114. The power cylinder 128 and/or the guide cylinder 130 arecoupled to the probe 114 via a transfer block 132. The transfer block132 and the power cylinder 128 implement a vibrating hammer tofacilitate collection of a core from the soil. For instance, as thepower cylinder 128 is actuated to translate the probe 114 into the soil,the transfer block 132 vibrates the probe 114 to penetrate the soil andfacilitate access by the probe 114. However, this configuration isprovided by way of example only and is not meant to limit the presentdisclosure. In other embodiments, the sampler arm assembly 108 ispowered using another type of drive. For example, the deep drill 111 isimplemented using an auger extending through a collection pan (e.g.,receiving pan 113). The auger lifts a soil sample up its flights anddeposits the soil sample on the collection pan. In some embodiments, thecollection pan is accessible from the cab 106 of the utility vehicle 102(e.g., through an aperture defined proximate to the floor of the cab106).

In embodiments of the disclosure, the soil sampler assembly 100 isconfigured to provide about two inches (2 in.) of air travel between theprobe 114 and the soil. In some embodiments, the utility vehicle 102 isequipped with air shocks and/or air bags to adjust the height of thesampler arm assembly 108 with respect to the surface of the soil.Further, one or more of the sampler arm assemblies 108 includes aproximity switch configured to control the depth of the probe 114 as itenters the soil. The proximity switch can be used to ensure that anappropriate depth is reached in various soil conditions, including butnot necessarily limited to: mud, sand, and so forth. In someembodiments, one or more backup switches are included to further limittranslation of the probe 114, including one or more redundant proximityswitches, one or more timed switches, and so forth. For instance, atimed switch can be used to control the depth of the probe 114 as itenters the soil (e.g., in place of a proximity switch, in addition to aproximity switch, and so forth). In some embodiments, when a proximityswitch may become damaged or otherwise inoperable, a timer can be usedto control the depth of the probe 114 as it enters the soil. In someembodiments, the timer can be set by an operator. In some embodiments,control algorithms can be used by the soil sampler assembly 100, e.g.,automatically timing how long it takes the probe 114 to reach aparticular depth, and then determining a characteristic (e.g., average)time to control subsequent timing for the depth of the probe 114. Suchalgorithms can also take into account different soil types for differentgeographic regions (e.g., determined using positioning measurements,such as global positioning system (GPS) measurements, and so forth).

After a core is collected and the probe 114 of the side drill 110 isretracted from the soil, the probe 114 is rotated about one hundred andeighty degrees (180°) from a first vertical orientation facing theground to a second vertical orientation opposite the ground. In thisorientation, the core is released from the probe 114 onto one of thelateral conveyor belts 142 as described. As noted, the inner taper boreof the tip 118 of the probe 114 facilitates removal of the core from theprobe 114 via gravity. In some embodiments, a brush is positionedproximate to the tip 118 of the probe 114 when the probe 114 is orientedin the second vertical orientation opposite the ground. In thisorientation, the brush is extended into the tip 118 of the probe 114 toclean the probe 114 between successive soil samples. However, it shouldbe noted that the action of the brush may serve to clean the tip 118 ofthe probe 114 and not necessarily to remove the core from the probe. Inthis manner, cross-contamination between samples can be minimized orprevented.

In some embodiments, the soil sampler assembly 100 includes an ejectsensor (e.g., a knockout peg) to determine whether the probe 114 hasbecome plugged with soil and/or one or more other materials. Forexample, the soil sampler assembly 100 can be equipped with aself-resetting knockout peg assembly. In some embodiments, a knockoutpeg comprising a shaft 133 extends downwardly from proximate to the topof the soil sampler assembly 100. When the probe 114 is rotated from thefirst vertical orientation facing the ground to the second verticalorientation opposite the ground, the probe 114 can be extended toreceive the shaft 133. When a soil sample has been properly ejected fromthe probe 114, the shaft 133 may not be contacted. However, when theshaft 133 contacts a soil sample lodged in the probe 114, a sensor(e.g., a linear actuation sensor, a contact sensor, or another sensor)can be used to alert the operator that the probe 114 has become plugged.In some embodiments, the sensor can be coupled with a switch that limitsand/or removes power from the sampler arm assembly 108 and/or one ormore other subsystems or components of the soil sampler assembly 100.The switch can implement self-resetting functionality. For instance, areset mechanism for the switch can require the operator to exit the cab106 of the utility vehicle 102 to perform a reset operation. In someembodiments, a reset mechanism can be provided in the cab 106 of theutility vehicle 102. In this manner, the operator can be alerted to aclogged probe condition, and may be required to perform a maintenanceoperation and/or a visual inspection before operation of the soilsampler assembly 100 can resume.

The soil sampler assembly 100 has a conveyor system 134 configured tomove cores from the side drill 110 to the cab 106 of the utility vehicle102 for in-bag, in-cab collection. In embodiments of the disclosure, acentral conveyor belt 136 extends longitudinally through the soilsampler module 104 and into the cab 106 of the utility vehicle 102(e.g., via an aperture 138 defined in the cab 106). The central conveyorbelt 136 is on a travel track 140, allowing the central conveyor belt136 to be retracted from the cab 106 of the utility vehicle 102 so thatthe soil sampler module 104 can be tilted as described (e.g., formaintenance). Two lateral conveyor belts 142 extend through the soilsampler module 104 proximate to the side drills 110 to the centralconveyor belt 136. In embodiments of the disclosure, the conveyor system134 includes one or more guides 144 positioned to guide cores along thelateral conveyor belt 142. A core is deposited from the side drill 110onto the lateral conveyor belt 142, which feeds the core onto thecentral conveyor belt 136. The core is then fed into the cab 106 of theutility vehicle 102 and provided to a bag transition 146. A soilcollection bag is placed under the bag transition 146 to collect thecore. In embodiments of the disclosure, differently sized and/or shapedbag transitions 146 can be provided for differently configured soilcollection bags. Further, in some embodiments, a cover formed from asolid, transparent plastic material is provided over the centralconveyor belt 136 in the cab 106 of the utility vehicle 102 so that anoperator can verify that the core has been collected and deposited inthe soil collection bag.

In some embodiments, the soil sampler module 104 includes one or morepower sprockets 148 and one or more drive sprockets 150. The ratio ofthe power sprocket 148 to the drive sprocket 148 is about two-to-one(2:1). For instance, the power sprocket 148 comprises thirty-two (32)teeth and the drive sprocket 148 comprises about sixteen (16) teeth. Inthis manner, the motor powering the conveyor system 134 can be run moreslowly with respect to the speed of the conveyor system 134. Thus, heatgenerated by the motor can be reduced, while fuel consumption can beimproved. A tensioner 152 is also included for tensioning the drivesprocket 148 and the drive sprocket 148.

In some embodiments, the soil sampler assembly 100 includes one or morecameras to monitor operations of the soil sampler assembly 100. Forexample, the soil sampler assembly 100 can include a backup camera,and/or cameras configured to capture images (e.g., still images, video)of one or more of the conveyors of the conveyor system 134, and soforth. A monitor can be included in the cab 106 of the utility vehicle102 to display images captured by the one or more cameras. Further, theutility vehicle 102 can include an instrument rail configured to placecontrols, monitors, and so forth for the soil sampler assembly 100 inreach of the operator.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or process operations, it is to be understoodthat the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above.Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed asexample forms of implementing the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A soil sampler assembly comprising: a utilityvehicle, the utility vehicle comprising a cab; a soil sampler modulecoupled to the utility vehicle, the soil sampler module configured todeposit a soil sample in the cab; and a conveyor system configured toconvey the soil sample to the cab, the conveyor system including acentral conveyor belt extending longitudinally through the soil samplermodule and a lateral conveyor belt extending through the soil samplermodule from a side of the soil sampler module to the conveyor belt at anorientation at least substantially perpendicular to the central conveyorbelt.
 2. The soil sampler assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein theutility vehicle comprises a diesel powered power vehicle.
 3. The soilsampler assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the central conveyorbelt is on a travel track.
 4. The soil sampler assembly as recited inclaim 1, wherein the soil sampler module comprises a power sprocket forpowering the conveyor system and a drive sprocket for driving a conveyorof the conveyor system, and a ratio of the power sprocket to the drivesprocket is about two-to-one (2:1).
 5. The soil sampler assembly asrecited in claim 1, further comprising a sampler arm assembly, whereinthe sampler arm assembly is supported by at least one of the utilityvehicle or the soil sampler module.
 6. The soil sampler assembly asrecited in claim 5, wherein the sampler arm assembly comprises an auger.7. The soil sampler assembly as recited in claim 5, wherein the samplerarm assembly comprises a proximity switch.
 8. The soil sampler assemblyas recited in claim 1, further comprising a probe coupled to the soilsampler module, the probe configured to obtain a core comprising thesoil sample.
 9. The soil sampler assembly as recited in claim 8, whereinthe probe tapers to define a tip comprising an outer surface defining anouter taper bore and an inner surface defining an inner taper bore. 10.The soil sampler assembly as recited in claim 9, wherein a ratio of aninside diameter of the inner surface distal to the end of the tip to aninside diameter of the inner surface proximal to the end of the tip isbetween about two-to-one (2:1) and about one and two-thirds-to-one(1.67:1), and the inner surface of the inner taper bore extends fartherwith respect to the length of the probe than the outer surface of theouter taper bore.
 11. The soil sampler assembly as recited in claim 9,wherein the soil sampler module comprises a brush positioned proximateto the tip of the probe when the probe is oriented in a generallyvertical orientation.
 12. The soil sampler assembly as recited in claim1, further comprising a self-resetting knockout peg assembly configuredto at least one of eject the soil sample from the soil sampler moduleonto the conveyor system or perform a reset operation when the soilsample contacts a knockout peg but is not ejected from the soil samplermodule.
 13. A soil sampler assembly comprising: a utility vehiclecomprising a cab; a soil sampler module coupled to the utility vehicle,the soil sampler module configured to deposit a soil sample in the cab;a conveyor system configured to convey the soil sample to the cab, theconveyor system including a central conveyor belt extendinglongitudinally through the soil sampler module and a lateral conveyorbelt extending through the soil sampler module from a side of the soilsampler module to the conveyor belt at an orientation at leastsubstantially perpendicular to the central conveyor belt; and a samplerarm assembly coupled to the soil sampler module, the sampler armassembly configured to collect the soil sample.
 14. The soil samplerassembly as recited in claim 13, wherein the utility vehicle comprises adiesel powered power vehicle.
 15. The soil sampler assembly as recitedin claim 13, wherein the soil sampler module comprises a power sprocketfor powering the conveyor system and a drive sprocket for driving aconveyor of the conveyor system, and a ratio of the power sprocket tothe drive sprocket is about two-to-one (2:1).
 16. The soil samplerassembly as recited in claim 13, wherein the sampler arm assemblycomprises a probe configured to obtain a core comprising the soilsample.
 17. The soil sampler assembly as recited in claim 16, whereinthe probe tapers to define a tip including an outer surface defining anouter taper bore and an inner surface defining an inner taper bore,wherein a ratio of an inside diameter of the inner surface distal to theend of the tip to an inside diameter of the inner surface proximal tothe end of the tip is between about two-to-one (2:1) and about one andtwo-thirds-to-one (1.67:1) and the inner surface of the inner taper boreextends farther with respect to the length of the probe than the outersurface of the outer taper bore.
 18. The soil sampler assembly asrecited in claim 13, further comprising a knockout peg assemblyconfigured to eject the soil sample from the soil sampler module ontothe conveyor system, wherein the knockout peg assembly is configured toextend a shaft into a tip of the probe.
 19. A soil sampler assemblycomprising: a diesel powered power vehicle including a cab; a soilsampler module coupled to the diesel powered power vehicle, the soilsampler module configured to deposit a soil sample in the cab; aconveyor system configured to convey the soil sample to the cab, theconveyor system including a central conveyor belt extendinglongitudinally through the soil sampler module and a lateral conveyorbelt extending through the soil sampler module from a side of the soilsampler module to the conveyor belt at an orientation at leastsubstantially perpendicular to the central conveyor belt; and a samplerarm assembly coupled to the soil sampler module, the sampler armassembly configured to collect the soil sample.
 20. The soil samplerassembly as recited in claim 19, wherein the soil sampler modulecomprises a power sprocket for powering the conveyor system and a drivesprocket for driving a conveyor of the conveyor system, and a ratio ofthe power sprocket to the drive sprocket is about two-to-one (2:1),wherein the sampler arm assembly comprises a drill, wherein the drillcomprises a probe configured to obtain a core comprising the soilsample, and wherein the probe comprises a tip including an outer surfacedefining an outer taper bore and an inner surface defining an innertaper bore, wherein a ratio of an inside diameter of the inner surfacedistal to the end of the tip to an inside diameter of the inner surfaceproximal to the end of the tip is between about two-to-one (2:1) andabout one and two-thirds-to-one (1.67:1).